Essex Jewelry and Antiques
Fine Late 1800s/Early 1900s Russian Gilt Metalwork Framed Icon of Jesus
Regular price
$933.00
Presented is a impressive antique Russian gilt metalwork framed icon depicting Jesus. This piece dates to the late 1800s or early 1900s. The icon itself is nicely hand painted, with a detailed but soft look. The face and hands of Jesus in the painting are visible, while the rest is protected by a highly decorated riza or 'revetment,' beautifully hand engraved with bright cut decoration that catches the light magnificently. The metal of the riza is gold gilt, contrasting appealingly with the rich dark wood of the case and the somber painting. The halo is separately made in an ornate openwork and rayed design, raised from the surface for a nice figural effect. These metal 'vestments' for an icon were intended to protect the painting beneath as well as venerate the figure depicted, as these icons often saw service near candles, lamps, and incense, and the painting could be darkened over time. The icon itself is in a gilt wood frame and enclosed in a glass-fronted case of rich dark wood, already perfect for display.
There are no hallmarks or stamps that we can find, so we are not guaranteeing this piece as silver, though it is made very much in the style of other icons done in silver and is a high quality piece. This piece is in great overall condition. The icon itself is in great shape, with just a little loss to the paint at the bridge of his nose and on one finger. The gilt wood frame inside is in good shape. The glass-fronted case has some wear and loss to the to the veneer, particularly at the upper corner shown in the ninth photograph, as well as an age split to the back, visible in the seventh photograph, which has a glue repair at the bottom; the case still feels quite sound.
The case (exterior) measures about 10 1/2 by 9 by 2 3/8 inches, LxWxD. -jm
There are no hallmarks or stamps that we can find, so we are not guaranteeing this piece as silver, though it is made very much in the style of other icons done in silver and is a high quality piece. This piece is in great overall condition. The icon itself is in great shape, with just a little loss to the paint at the bridge of his nose and on one finger. The gilt wood frame inside is in good shape. The glass-fronted case has some wear and loss to the to the veneer, particularly at the upper corner shown in the ninth photograph, as well as an age split to the back, visible in the seventh photograph, which has a glue repair at the bottom; the case still feels quite sound.
The case (exterior) measures about 10 1/2 by 9 by 2 3/8 inches, LxWxD. -jm